The Colton Fire Auxiliary, the Colton Fire and Rescue, Lyons Volunteer Fire Department and the Crooks Fire Department went to the Tri-Valley Elementary school during Fire Prevention Week to educate the students on fire safety. (Photo/Submitted)

Sara Stadem | Editor

Fire Prevention Week, October 3-9, brought together the Colton Fire Auxiliary, the Colton Fire and Rescue, Lyons Volunteer Fire Department and the Crooks Fire Department to the Tri-Valley Elementary School, to help educate the students on fire safety.
Colton Fire and Rescue Firefighter Matt Kraner explained they had several firefighters take time off of work to help out with this event from Colton and the Fire Department Auxiliary had a large part in getting the reference materials and helping organize the event.
The material being giving out was “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety,” explained Kraner. “It was fire alarms and what they meant. Having a safety plan with these families in case of a fire,” Kraner said. He continued, “We also had brought up the county fire safety trailer where we talked to them about if they are home and discover smoke in the room and what to do. We smoked up the room and had them get to a window and climb out.”
The Colton Fire and Rescue also had several fire trucks there to show the students the equipment that is used by the firefighters, according to Kraner. In addition, Kraner explained they also had firefighters in full PPE to show the kids and to have them hear a firefighter’s voice if they are wearing their equipment as it does sound different.
When asked about feedback from the students, Kraner said, “The second graders had a lot of questions but feel they are just getting to that age where they are understanding about fire and smoke and what to do.”
Kraner added tips for fire prevention is to make sure there are good, working smoke detectors and to have a plan in the event of a fire such as where to go and what to do.
“This event at Tri-Valley was not just the Colton Fire and Auxiliary. The Tri-Valley has three fire departments in the district and Lyons and Crooks Fire Departments were also a big part of the event,” Kraner said.
Tri-Valley Elementary Principal Nancy Johnson said, “We were so excited to have them come to the school.”
The Lyons Volunteer Fire Department and the Crooks Fire Department were unable to be reached for comment prior to publication.